ClotCare is a member organization of the Coalition to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis. Click here to learn more about the Coalition to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and DVT Awareness Month, which is held each March.

As a member organization, ClotCare supports the Coalition to Prevent Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in raising awareness of this commonly occurring medical condition and its potentially fatal complication, pulmonary embolism (PE). According to the American Heart Association, up to two million Americans are affected annually by deep vein thrombosis1. Of those who develop pulmonary embolism, up to 300,000 will die each year2,3. That is, more Americans die annually from DVT/PE than from breast cancer and AIDS combined, which account for about 55,000 deaths annually2,3. Yet, according to a national survey sponsored by the American Public Health Association, 74% of Americans have little or no awareness of DVT. Deep vein thrombosis also is among the leading causes of preventable hospital death. Even more disturbing is the fact that, according to a U.S. multi-center study published by two of ClotCare's editorial board members, 58% of patients who developed a DVT while in the hospital received no preventive treatment despite the presence of multiple risk factors and overwhelming data that prophylaxis is very effective at reducing these events (Goldhaber S, Tapson V. A prospective registry of 5,451 patients with ultrasound-confirmed deep vein thrombosis. The American Journal of Cardiology 2004;93:259-262.).

In past years, you may have seen Melanie Bloom, widow of NBC News correspondent David Bloom, on national television programs and in newspaper and magazine stories. Melanie Bloom serves as the national patient advocate in support of the Coalition's efforts. Melanie Bloom's personal commitment to this cause has had a tremendous impact on the awareness of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). She is now leading the charge across the country for DVT patients and their families as they share their stories to raise awareness of deep vein thrombosis.

This year, Melanie Bloom is joined in print and broadcast public service announcements featuring media personalities, including NBC's Meredith Vieira, Al Roker and Campbell Brown; and ABC Sports' Bonnie Bernstein.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition that occurs when a thrombus (blood clot) forms in one of the large veins, usually in the lower limbs, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. It may be caused by a variety of risk factors and triggering events, including cancer, obesity or restricted mobility due to acute medical illness, stroke, major surgery, previous DVT or respiratory failure. DVT symptoms may include tenderness, pain in the leg, swelling and discoloration or redness. The condition may result in health complications, such as pulmonary embolism (PE) and even death if not diagnosed and treated effectively.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot or a part of it breaks loose from the wall of the vein and moves to the lungs, where it blocks a pulmonary artery or one of its branches. In the United States, of those who develop PE, up to 300,000 will die, which is more than from breast cancer and AIDS combined2. PE signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing/coughing up blood, and fainting.

If you think you may be at risk for DVT or PE, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. If you think you are experiencing the symptoms of DVT or PE, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Learn More About DVT, PE, Risks, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment on ClotCare

Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis
This posting explains deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). The posting has information on who is likely to get a DVT, the signs and symptoms of a DVT or PE, how a DVT is diagnosed, how a DVT or PE is treated, and how a DVT or PE can be prevented. You can also see several pictures of what a DVT actually looks like.http://www.clotcare.com/clotcare/dvt.aspx